ROCKFORD - This latest blast of arctic weather has put a stop to Rockford Public Schools for the sixth time in about six weeks.

Wind chill could make temperatures feel as cold as minus 36 degrees Tuesday, according to National Weather Service forecasts. School officials decided it's too dangerous for students to be out waiting for buses or otherwise traveling to school. Rockford previously called off school for either snow or cold on Dec. 20, Jan. 6, 7, 23 and Monday.

The cancellations can have working parents scrambling for child care alternatives. That leaves places like Northwest Community Center, which typically holds programs for kids before and after school, bustling with activity all day long. Gerry Ford, director of the center's after school programs, said his phone will often ring once school closures are announced as parents look for assurance that their child will have a place to go. Northwest, 1325 N. Johnston Ave., gives parents a low-cost child care option. It also gives children an alternative to being stuck indoors, Ford said.

"If they were at home, all they could do is watch TV or play video games," Ford said. "Here, they can actually get out, run around and play games with more of their peers."

The standard fee is $5 per child per day for those who aren't already enrolled in before or after school programs, but costs are on a sliding scale based on income. Call the center at 815-964-6885 for more information.

For most in the Rock River Valley, it's business as usual despite the extreme cold.

"We know if there is extreme weather, it will affect how many employees are able to work, and we just plan accordingly," she said.

For those who can't work, they'll work a short work week. For those who do work, Tinson said they will receive "a little bit of a bonus." The bonus is written into the contract and is based on a formula that includes the employee's seniority and pay rate.

Wester Wuori, spokesman with Rockford Health System said the hospital system hasn't seen problems with staffing levels because of the severe weather. He thinks employees with children were able to make contingency plans for daycare knowing that the schools might be closed.

"We've had patients cancel procedures," he said, "but we haven't seen any unusual absence rates among employees."

Karl Johnson, Woodward, Inc., director of business communications, said the company pro-actively put out guidelines last week in anticipation of the extreme cold Monday and Tuesday.

"Employees should assume the business is open unless there is some type of state of emergency declaration by the government," he said. "If the member has a family emergency, a busted water heater, (or even unable to find a child care provider), the time off policy allows them to take care of that."